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Saturday, 29 September 2012

Country Bites News snippets September 24 – September 28, 2012

Country Bites News snippets September 24 – September 28, 2012

SOURCES / Links shown in RED

UK & IRISH News

Chart News: Mixed fortunes for Taylor Swift's latest single, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”, which in its 5th week climbs 7-6 on the Official UK Singles Top 100 (29th September 2012) but suffers an 8.22% dip in sales week-on-week to 34,916.

On iTunes in the past week, according to Apple, the chart for the week September 16 - September 22, Taylor’s “Never” was at #5.

Over on the Official UK Albums Top 100 (29th Sept 2012) Lady Antebellum’s NEED YOU NOW stays at # 30 in its 112 week.

In their second retail weeks The Time Jumpers self titled album on Rounder Records is down from #6 -#7 and Kathy Mattea's CALLING ME HOME (Sugar Hill Records) drops from #12 to #19

(21 Sept 2012) On Ricky Ross’ “Another Country” on BBC Radio Scotland he featured an interview with Nashville country star Marty Stuart.﻿

Marty & Ricky (BBC photo)

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From collecting missing memorabilia of Hank, Patsy and his old boss Johnny C and opening up RCA Studio B to record his albums to hosting one of the best nights of country you'll ever experience...Marty's Late Night Jam at The Ryman...to writing,producing and performing country songs like someone who means it - i.e. your heart might just get broken - Marty is the man who can explain everything you love about country music

Marty talks about his new album, Roger McGuinn, Stonewall Jackson with clips of music of his Fabulous Superlatives.

Anne Lundon brings you highlights from the Northern Nashville Caithness Country Music Festival. Among the artistes showcased at the festival are Johnny Rodriguez, Ashville and Keith Macleod. In addition to the festival coverage, Anne meets with a woman who has travelled a fair distance to attend the festival - Johnny Rodriguez 'super-fan' Shirley Fresh from California. And Mary B and Paul Gallagher treat us to a special acoustic performance among Ireland's beautiful scenery - Showpage

IRISH singer Kathy Nugent will celebrate the life and times of the legendary Connie Francis at Dublin's National Concert Hall on September 27

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The Benn Sisters

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The Benn Sisters (Carrie and Leanne) launched their long awaited 3rd album 'GIRLS' NIGHT OUT' at the Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh.

The launch took place with a line up that included Shaun Loughrey, Hugo Duncan and Dominic Kirwan.

Luke Austen is set to release TRUTH IS SIMPLE, his much-anticipated new album on October 5. Currently streaming is his song 'Drinkin N Fishin' at soundcloud.com

Nominations for the 2013 Country Music Awards of Australia (Golden Guitar Awards) close this coming Tuesday (October 2)

Organisers of the Awards, are introducing two new categories: Alternative Country Album of the Year and Top Selling International Album of the Year. "The CMAA is pleased to introduce the Alternative Country Album of the Year category," a spokesman said. "This award recognises artists who sit stylistically outside the mainstream of country. It increases the chances of winning an award for fringe artists”

CMA Vocal Duo nominees and chamber-folk duo The Civil Wars have announced their first tour of Australia and New Zealand.

The American pair - Joy Williams and John Paul White will tour seven churches and cathedrals in March 2013.

Lady Antebellum currently on the Australian leg of their Own The Night 2012 world tour will be making a special appearance on the Australian version of the worldwide TV talent competition, "The X Factor" on Tuesday, Oct. 2 in Sydney.

CANADIAN NEWS

18-year-old Canadian Country Singer Tenille is presenting a“Play It Forward Tour”. The recent winner of the 2012 Slaight Music Humanitarian Award, Tenille is proud ofthis tour which will incorporate music and motivational speaking for students in schools across Alberta, promoting positive leadership efforts for Canada’s youth. The tour is sponsored by Canadian Tire (Grand Prairie store), Caron Measurement and Controls, Low Impact, Save on Foods and T-Ram Canada.

“I am really looking forward to being out on the road and recognizing students who make a positive difference within their own school environments,” says Tenille. “It’s exciting to know that these kids inspire others through simple acts of kindness or dreams to change the world. I’m honoured to play for them and inspired by their potential to play it forward!”- Link-tenille.ca/dates/

BLUEGRASS NEWS

The 23rd International Bluegrass Music Association Awards for 2012 were handed out at the Ryman Auditorium.in Nashville September 27. Hosts were Laurie Lewis and Del McCoury. A bit of a changing of the guard in some places but many favorites held firm for another year. ﻿﻿

Gibson Brothers

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The Gibson Brothers took home the honours of the coveted Entertainer of the Year. The night was webcast on LiveStream via the International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) Bluegrass Nation website.

Junior Sisk & Rambler’s Choice won Album of the Year for THE HEART OF A SONG. “I swear, I don’t know what to say,” Sisk said. “I’ve had speeches made up for years, and I’ve had to can 'em for a long time. This time it’s for real.”

Dale Ann Bradley won her fourth IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year title, and she sang “Somewhere South Of Crazy” with friend and co-writer Pam Tillis.

Russell Moore, whose IIIrd Tyme Out Band is a staple on the bluegrass circuit, won his fourth Male Vocalist prize.

Other recipients of the 2012 International Bluegrass Music Awards included:

The evening was one filled of expectations and surprises. One strong part of the program was remembering all those we've lost during the past year. The remarks by Steve Martin on the late Earl Scruggs was a strong tribute to the man who gave bluegrass it's 5-string sound. The stage lit up with a multitude of banjo players after the Sleepy Man Banjo Boys started the set. It was a solid tribute Earl. Laurie Lewis named off all the banjo players in the ensemble.

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) announced a new annual slate of awards on new talent in bluegrass music. This week, the IBMA’s new Momentum Awards, designed to recognize promising new talent, are being presented at IBMA's World of Bluegrass.

The IBMA’s are shipping off to Raleigh for at least the next three years, and Nashville will no longer be home to this annual showcase of virtuoso acoustic performers.

Ricky Skaggs and BEE GEES star Barry Gibb have teamed up for an unlikely new collaboration. The odd couple came together in the studio to record the track “Soldier's Son”, >>Listen , which will feature on banjo player Skaggs' new album, MUSIC TO MY EARS. And the Country Boy hitmaker reveals Gibb wrote the track with him in mind.

He tells Billboard.com, "He recorded a song and sent it to me as a demo to see if I wanted to record it. I told him I was going to be doing a new bluegrass record soon, and would he think about coming in and recording it with me."He said, 'I don't have to think about it. Just tell me when you want me and I'm there.'"

NEWS

Kelly Clarkson continues to inch closer to becoming a bona fide country music superstar. Despite her allegiance to the Lone Star State sherecently announcing plansto claim full-time residency in Nashville. The current Female Vocalist of the Year CMA Awards nominee has placed her Texas estate on the market, and is currently in the process of finding a home in Music City.

The pop-country crossover is currently signed to Music Row-based Starstruck Management, owned by pal Reba McEntire and her husband Narvel Blackstock. And it probably doesn’t hurt that Clarkson’s new beau, Brandon Blackstock — also McEntire’s stepson, lives and works in Nashville, as well!.

Kelly does admit that she plans to dabble in country music when the material feels right - “I think we’re going to try and do a couple (of songs) just for country music and still keep doing stuff for pop, as well,” she shares.

Kenny Chesney added another trophy to his collection on Monday (24Sep12) at the Sixth Annual Academy of Country Music Honors gala. The country singer beamed with pride as he picked up the Crystal Milestone Award for his touring success during the ceremony held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.

Thanking his loyal fan base as he accepted the prize, he said, "I remember our first night ever doing a headlining show, I made (my team) walk out to the front and take a picture to prove there were going to be people there."

Vince Gill was presented with the Career Achievement Award, Alan Jackson, accepted the Jim Reeves International Award, andEmmylou Harris and Ricky Skaggs, who were both recognised with Cliffie Stone Pioneer Awards.

There was a double surpriseat the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Sunday night (Sept 23, 2012). Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley performed a surprise duet. Carrie was so overwhelmed when her fellow country music star Brad appeared onstage alongside that she could be seen wiping a tear from her eye, as they sang their hit duet ‘Remind Me’ in front of the huge crowd. Carrie was also joined by Hunter Hayes, her opening act. Carrie and Hunter performed a duet of ‘Leave Love Alone.’ During his own opening set, Hunter was surprised onstage his record label staff, who presented him with a platinum plaque for his hit song ‘Wanted.’ Photo and review at - www.americansongwriter.com

Variety reports that Taylor Swift will play Joni Mitchell in an upcoming film based on Weller's book, which follows the careers of soft-rocking Boomer icons Mitchell, Carly Simon, and Carole King. AndTaylor’s new song "Begin Again" continues the theme of '70s A.M. Gold. On the latest track to surface from her upcoming album RED, she sings, "You said you never met one girl who had as many James Taylor records as you / But I do

George Strait announced, in a special press conference held at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tenn. that he will not be doing anymore scheduled touring after the next 2 years.

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George Strait Live Screenshot

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There will be 40 remaining dates; the last tour date will be in 2014. He still intends to make records and write and is currently in the process of putting a new record together.

Strait told the crowd "It's been a hard decision for me to make, but as far as touring goes, I've decided I'm not going to tour anymore after the next two years. "Don't think I'm retiring because I'm not. I'm still going to make records as long as Mike [Dungan, head of MCA Nashville} will let me. I'm going to write, and after two years, when I've quit touring, if a special event comes up that I want to do, by all means I will do it, but as far as a structured tour goes, at the last date of 2014 goes, that will be it for touring">>Watch Highlights

In October he will head to the studio for recording sessions. George said it has been the longest time since 1981 between albums.

Peter Cooper of The Tennessean asked what made he know it was time to wind things down, George replied: “I always had in the back of my mind that when I turned 60 it might be the time to start thinking about it”. He didn’t completely rule out a “U Turn” - ”I believe I made the right decision, I hope I did, only time will tell, in 2016 I might say ‘What a dummy!’ If that’s the case. maybe I’ll reconsider, but at this particular point in time I’m pretty sure I won’t” shared Strait

Announcing his plans for his final two-year tour “THE COWBOY RIDES AWAY TOUR” Strait revealed the first 21 markets he will visit during the winter and spring legs of his 2013 tour. Special guest Martina McBride is set to join Strait for 20 dates in 2013 dates, which begin on January 18 in Lubbock, Texas (United Spirit Arena) through to June 1st 2013 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX.

The Randy Rogers Band and Miranda Lambert are others who will join the country superstar and George hinted that there may be “possible surprises” Strait, who celebrated his 60th birthday earlier this year, shared, “This is going to be a very special, emotional tour for me. Everywhere we’re going holds fond memories and I’m looking forward to paying my respects.”

Loretta Lynn made her Grand Ole Opry debut in 1960, the 28-year-old mother of four and her husband Oliver “Doolittle” Lynn were so poor they slept in front of the building in their car and shared a donut for breakfast the next morning.

Lynn was inducted as an Opry member in 1962, and Tuesday night (Sept 25) she was honoured with a commemorative Opry show celebrating her 50th anniversary.... She had some help at the Opry House from Miranda Lambert and her Pistol Annies, Lynn’s sister Crystal Gayle, Lee Ann Womack and Trace Adkins along with a standing room only crowd. Lambert teared up remembering her first conversation with Lynn. The show marked the first performance on the Opry for the Pistol Annies.

Lynn called the 50th anniversary tribute “a great honor” and said she “couldn’t believe it.” “It’s the ‘Grand Ole Opry,’ what else can you say?” Lynn said. “And I’m a member of the Grand Ole Opry, so we’re all here.” (The Tennessean) (AP)

Scott Hendricks the renowned Nashville producer and Oklahoma native, who is Warner Music Nashville senior vice president of A&R, celebrated his 50th No. 1 with Blake Shelton’s most recent hit single, “Over.” Friends, family and artists gathered to mark the remarkable milestone Thursday at a surprise party at

Warner Music Nashville’s offices on Music Row, according to a news release.

To read more and check out Hendricks’ impressive list of 50 No. 1 hits - Link

Kenny Rogerswill embark on a busy fall season with the release of his autobiography, LUCK OR SOMETHING LIKE IT, on October 2nd, 2012 (Ridgewood, NJ Bookends) to Oct.12th in Houston, TX Barnes & Noble (River Oaks)

Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Kelly Clarkson, and Little Big Town are the first group of performers confirmed for “The 46th Annual CMA Awards” on “Country Music’s Biggest Night™. (CMA World Press)

Willie Nelson and Dierks Bentley are performing a benefit concert in Arkansas next month (Oct12) to help restore the boyhood home of Johnny Cash. The I Walk the Line hitmaker grew up with his parents and six siblings in a small house on a cotton farm in Dyess, and now officials at the Arkansas State University have launched a campaign to preserve the residence and surrounding area and fund a scholarship in his honour. The show will also feature the icon's daughter, Rosanne Cash, and The Civil Wars

If your in need of some sleep this is heavy going (yawn) - Curb Records’ Response to 9/25/12 Ruling by the Court of Appeals in Tim McGraw Litigation - Webster & Associates Press

Reba McEntirewill not be hosting the 2013 Academy of Country Music Awards. The 57-year-old country star has decided to end her run as a host for the prestigious awarding show after tackling it for 14 times so she can focus on her TV show "Malibu Country”. Blake Shelton, who also served as her co-host at the last two editions of ACM Awards was confirmed to return for next year's show.

McEntire's first hosting stint at the ACM Awards was in 1986 and continued to host the prize-giving show every year since 1999.

Faith Hillwill debut her brand-new tune, "American Heart" on Twitter (@faithhill) this Sunday (Sept. 30), marking the first time a country artist has debuted a single and lyric via the social-networking site. "This song inspires," the Mississippi native notes. "It grabs a hold of a very special place that we all have in our hearts. Times are hard and people are struggling, but our spirit as Americans always seems to prevail." In addition Faith will also chat live with her fans at 7:00 PM ET, prior to NBC's Sunday Night Football.

Dolly Parton announced today (Sept 28) that she will no longer be associated with the previously planned water park in Nashville. "Gaylord makes decisions that they feel are good for their company and their stockholders and I have to make decisions based on what is best for me and the Dollywood Company," said Parton. "Governor Haslam, Mayor Dean, and all the folks in government have been great to work with. I really appreciate their support through this process." (Webster & Associates)

The 40th AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS will air on ABC-TV on Sunday, November 18th they will be broadcast live from the NOKIA THEATER in LA. In addition to awards being given in the categories of Rap/Hip-Hop, Soul/R&B, Pop/Rock, Latin, Country, Alternative, Adult Contemporary and Contemporary Inspirational, the show will also be celebrating its 40th anniversary

MUSIC NEWS

Facebook stock to plummet? The new Myspace has been revealed in a teaser video with a radically different look.

The site’s relaunch has been anticipated for some time, after Specific Media and Justin Timberlake bought the fallen music platform and social network in June.The new look does away with conventional website design and looks more like the interface of a tablet operating system. The Twitter community is describing the layout as a mix between Instagram, Pinterest and Windows 8.

Lisa Marie Presley announces first ever UK show for October 2012. The Roots/Rock singer songwriter is the only child of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, 'LMP' has managed to carve out a successful music career in her own right.﻿

Lisa Marie

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Lisa Marie's third studio record, STORM & GRACE, produced by T-Bone Burnett, is released in the UK on 15th October. She will playing her first ever headline gig in the UK (although she did join Richard Hawley on stage at the Shepherds Bush Empire back in 2009. Lisa Marie will be playing this very special one-off show at London's Bush Hall on Thursday 4th Oct 2012.

Related: NASHVILLE LIFESTYLES magazine has revealed the 2012 list of NASHVILLE’s most beautiful people. The magazine says that they choose their annual list based on people who have helped to make MUSIC CITY a better place through their dedication to worthwhile causes, love of friends, family and neighbors, to their overall personalities.

On Monday morning (Sept 24), Taylor Swift stopped by ‘Good Morning America’ to preview ‘Begin Again,’ a new song which will appear on the RED album. Some die-hard country fans frowned upon the first single with a more-pop-than-country song but in this sample ‘Begin Again’ has the familiar Tayloy-esque country twang from years back.

“It’s actually a song about kind of when you’ve gotten through a really bad relationship and you finally dust yourself off and go on that first day after a horrible breakup and the vulnerability that goes along with all of that,” Swift shared about the song when she premiered the teaser.

Sticking to the album’s theme of love and loss, ‘Begin Again’ has Swift comparing her new beau to an old boyfriend. Lyrics like, “I think it’s strange that you think I’m funny, ’cause he never did” show that even mega-famous country stars experience vulnerability in relationships. The song was released to US iTunes on Tues Sep 25 on Big Machine Records.

Holly Williams has announced a new album, her third, for February The still-untitled (at least to the public) album has been in the works since early this year. From her Facebook post:

9 months to the day (January 26th) after the beginning of this record-I am beyond thrilled, and relieved, and ecstatic to say the last overdub was cut this morning in the studio, and I'm holding the master in my hands. I had to choose a baby or a new album this year, apologies to the mother in law. Can't wait to get on the road!!!! RELEASE DATE February 5th!!!!

Celebrate the Christmas Season with Sammy Kershaws' brand new Christmas CD titledA SAMMY KLAUS CHRISTMASwhich will be released onOctober 22. This 12-track album is a collection of very popular, timeless Christmas tunes, including Sammy s reading of Twas The Night Before Christmas and Twas The Night Before Christmas, Cajun Version.

PRESS RELEASES

Nashville, TN...(September 28, 2012) Craig Campbell just returned from a successful European debut, as his addictive new single “Outta My Head” continues to impact country radio.The neo-traditionalist singer was overwhelmingly received by more than 5,000 fans over the two day Gstaad Festival in Switzerland and earned a standing ovation from the crowd when he performed new music from his upcoming sophomore album. While Campbell has previously toured in Australia, this trip marked Craig’s first-ever performance in Europe, where he joined Martina McBride for the popular festival in the Swiss Alps(Monarch Publicity )

BOOKS

Willie Nelson one of America's most prolific songwriters is no slouch when it comes to memoirs, either: He has a new one due in November. Nelson will release "Roll Me Up And Smoke Me When I Die" on Nov. 13. Publisher William Morrow says the American music icon will tell never-before-heard stories about his life, family, music, politics, Texas, religion and favorite recreational activity. Willie riffs on everything, from music to poker, Texas to Nashville, and more. He shares the outlaw wisdom he has acquired over the course of eight decades, along with favorite jokes and insights from family, bandmates, and close friends. -

In Calling Me Home, Kealing traces the entire arc of Parsons's career, emphasizing his Southern roots. Drawing on dozens of new interviews as well as rare letters and photographs provided by Parsons's family and legendary photojournalist Ted Polumbaum, Kealing has uncovered facts that even the most stalwart Parsons fans will find revealing.

A number of the artists whose careers have been stirred by Nick Lowe's influence have recorded tracks for a tribute to Lowe's songwriting titled Lowe Country: The Songs of Nick Lowe (Fiesta Red Records, Sep. 18, 2012). Amanda Shires, Robert Ellis, Chatham County Line, the Parson Red Heads, Lori McKenna, Ron Sexsmith, Hayes Carll and Colin Gilmore all contribute.

Give an ear to the national debut single“Love On Me” from Georgia's Brent Cobb, a singer/songwriter who has had cuts on Luke Bryan, Eli Young Band, Frankie Ballard, Little Big Town's and The Oak Ridge Boys records. This is the lead single from his upcoming EP release on Inde Carnival Publishing - www.americansongspace.com

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Brent Cobb

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The 26-years old Country, Americana/Roots, Alt Country Songwriter was born Southwest GA in a town real close to extinction.

Co-written one early Monday morning after a long weekend by Cobb and Jason Saenz, “Love On Me” is a tongue-in-cheek, up-tempo song that portrays the casual fun of flirting.

“We wrote this song based on how I flirt,” shares Cobb. “In bars, I would say, ‘I’m about half drunk, but you look so good to me.’ It was just hokey and charming, I guess. We just wanted to capture that real moment.”

Blurb: The EP is a five song-collection that captures the Ellaville, Georgia native’s gripping, passionate vocal style and rhythmic melodies.

Billy Dean’s new CD A MAN OF GOOD FORTUNE (cover artwork) has hit the stores. Blurb: The best news is that it's really, REALLY GREAT! Billy and everyone at Rainman Records are very proud of and excited about this new collection of songs.

"Middle Of Nowhere" sounds like the lead-off single, "Dear John" is catchy and "Crazy Beautiful" and "All The Difference In The World" could be the standouts? Sample at www.reverbnation.com

Listen to Jake Owens' 4 Track EP ENDLESS SUMMER in FULL at music.aol.com

Mark Blomsteel “That Cowgirl See In Me" which won the Dutch CMA Award for Song Of The Year on September 9th 2012

About: Mark is a singer/songwriter born and raised in Rotterdam, The Netherlands and moved to a new home in Nashville TN for his shot at a country music career. The end result--a full album which was produced from June to August 2009. He has just returned from a tour in Europe - www.markblomsteel.com

Listen to SaraBeth and her debut EP release of KICKIN’ AND SCREAMIN’ from Circle S Records at music.aol.com

Sounds Like: Shania Train, Carrie Underwood ?

Born and raised in Dallas, SaraBeth is a contemporary country singer and budding songwriter who is seamlessly making her mark in Nashville as an all-American, sweetly southern artist with an edge. Smart, beautiful and tremendously talented, the girl is a triple threat—she’s the breath of fresh air the music industry needs.

Independent artist Pauline Reese has a new song out called "Just Getting Started" which has some Keith Urban-esque riffs and vibes of Martina McBride?>>AUDIO

Charla Corn"Big T-Shirt" (Sixth Street Syndicate), her new single is described as “a fun and sexy song about spending Friday night not all dolled up out on the town with her man, but rather at home wearing a big t-shirt! “Its taken from a 5 Track Big T-Shirt EP (2012 Winding Road Music)>>AUDIO

SPOTIFY COUNTRY

For users of this online music streaming service here are some of the more recent Aug/Sept additions

Related Article: How Musicians Make Money (By The Fraction Of A Cent) OnSpotify

The independent musician Erin McKeown has her albums on Spotify, and because she doesn't have a label, she gets all of the royalty money the service pays out every time someone plays one of her songs. McKeown asked her accountant to figure out how much money she was making. The answer was 0.004 cents per play — not much at all. McKeown says most of the money she sees from online activity comes from iTunes downloads.

"For me, most people go to iTunes," she says. "I'm paid fairly from iTunes”.

"I think a lot of people who used to buy music at full price use Spotify," McKeown says, "maybe because they don't know or maybe because it's a great service on the consumer side."…

Executives at Spotify see it differently. Ken Parks, the company's chief content officer, says the service isn't cannibalizing digital downloads but instead luring people away from such unauthorized file-sharing sites as Pirate Bay.

Taylor Swift performed for her first time playing the iHeartRadio Music Festival. She performed a 5 song mini concert.

She appeared to have a slight wardrobe malfunction as made her way to the stage. A fan looked tugged too hard on Swift’s dress and caused the right strap to come undone. Taylor grabbed a quick time-out for a costume change returning donning black shorts. You can see some pictures and read a short review atfestival.iheart.com

Set List: Sparks Fly, You Belong With Me, Mean, Love Story and We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together

Watch her Full iHeartRadio Music Festival 2012 Performance - Live in Las Vegas >> YouTube

Watch Billy Ray Cyrus' new Video 'Change My Mind' and behind the scene footage (image). In this new video, the singer-songwriter leaves a nagging wife (Rayne Fitton?) behind for a sexy video vixen!

Directed by Michael Maxxis and filmed in Pioneertown, CA – one of the most storied Old West towns home to Roy Rogers – the video captures both Cyrus’ adventurous and sensitive sides with a rockin’ performance in the desert, a sexy car ride, relationship drama and more. The co-host of ABC’s nationally-syndicated entertainment show OnTheRedCarpet, Rachel Smith, who won the Miss USA pageant in 2007, makes a special featured appearance in the video. When asked about making the video in the middle of the desert, Cyrus shared, “I think the heat ended up working for us. It’s a hot track, on a hot day, with a couple of hot ladies in the video that just smoked it. I can’t wait for the world to see it!” >>YouTubeand www.theboot.com

** Highly Recommend ** ..Official Music Video for "Chivalry is Dead", the first single from Whitney Rose. Debut album set for release in Fall 2012.

Presented by Cameron House Records and Club Red Productions. >>YouTube

Nu-Blu Video of 'Other Woman's Blues' , its a bluegrass response to legendary Dolly Parton's "Jolene." North Carolina Nu-Blu was founded in the fall of 2003 by husband and wife team, Carolyn and Daniel Routh >>YouTube

A neatanimated video created by Media One Concepts for Dwight Yoakam's Roger Miller-esque "Waterfall," from his new 3 Pears album >>YouTube

Keith Urban (image)supported his wife Nicole Kidman on the red carpet of the 64th Annual Emmy Awards in Los Angeles. They both looked resplendent extremely well dressed.

During an interview with Ryan Seacrest [American Idol Host], Keith said he was grateful for Ryan and Randy [Jackson]. Probably because otherwise he’d be the loan ranger with two diva-licious ladies

Australian actress Nicole certainly wowed on the red carpet, the “Hemingway & Gellhorn” star looked simply stunning arrived at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live wearing a white floor-length sleeveless Antonio Berardi Spring 2013 crepe gown which featured blue sequin embroidered details with breath-taking embellishments in a variety of blue shades. This dress debuted only the previous week on the catwalk last at the of the collection held during London Fashion Week – Across The Pond Fast fashion!

Peacock-blue Christian Louboutin ‘Vampanodo’ sandals (image) with a bow accent on the heel and Fred Leighton carved lavender jade-and-diamond pendant earrings completed her look. At the Emmy’s E! News host Ryan Seacrest caught up with Kidman. According to Us Weekly, the actress told him that she will be waiting off stage to cheer on her husband during ‘Idol’ tapings.

“Yeah! Next year I’ll be there,” the actress said. Urban, 44, just recently confirmed that he’ll be sitting on the ‘American Idol’ judges panel. So Nicole will be standing by her man!

The Country/pop singer, dancer and “Footloose”/”Rock of Ages” film actressJulianne Hough attended the 2012 Emmy Awards on with her beau Ryan Seacrest last Sunday evening.The blonde actress opted for sparkles, sparkles and more sparkles, wearing a strapless seafoam Georges Hobeika Fall 2012 Couture aquagreengownwhich would be perfect for the ‘Dancing With The Stars’ dance floor. (image) Julianne Hough wore Brian Atwood Karin platform sandals (image) hidden under her long gown and was attempting a 1920s finger waves hairstyle + a faux bob. Late in the audience Julianne wore Isabel Marant Stanley studded suede pumps.

Taylor Swift attended the 2012 iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas on Saturday Sept 22nd. The “Sparkly one” may love to dazzle in high-fashion gowns, but her the singer opted for a dress right off the racks at French Connection remaining consistent to her feminine sense of style. Suitably RED with the October album launch due she matched her trademark bright red lips.

If you want to get the look, you can SHOP for Taylor’s French Connection Fast Iris Lace Dress right HERE, where you the dress retails for $198. Nice of “Tay Tay” to opt for the stylish and affordable brand.

She wore Prada peep-toe pumps which feature a small platform, nude suede and 4" heel. You can find this pump available online in teal, navy & red at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

For her live set, Tay-Tay changed out of her lacy frock in favor of some hot pants and a cool top much like she did for the MTV Video Music Awards earlier this month. After a dress malfunction she quickly returned to the stage opting for some sparkle with shimmering black shorts and the nude long-sleeve “Defina” top by Rachel Gilbert, which featured all over gold sequin embroidery. She complimented this sporting matching sparkling gold flats.

For Jessica Simpson, all that dieting is finally paying off as she looked svelte and sexy during a dinner date with her fiancé on Saturday Sept 22. The singer was back to her slender best in a dazzling glittery dress as she dined out with Eric Johnson at Hollywood hot spot Fig & Olive.

Jess, 32, has struggled to shift the weight she gained when she was pregnant with daughter Maxwell.

She signed a £2.5million deal with WeightWatchers to help her reclaim her famous figure.

Reese Witherspoon the 36-year-old actress and Country music Awards presenter has given birth to a baby boy. Resse who has two children, Ava, 13, and Deacon, eight, from her marriage to Ryan Phillippe - and her husband Jim Toth welcomed Tennessee James into the world on Sept 27, 2012.

Miranda Lambert collects salt and pepper shakers – she has about 30 sets. She was recently at Loretta Lynn’s museum and realized Loretta’s a collector too with hundreds of them. Miranda said, “one day I’m going to get the nerve up and ask her if we can trade a set.”

Lisa Marie Presley it seems has a UK Secret Life as a Chip Shop Worker getting a few people in the English countryside 'All Shook Up'! She has been serving them their fish and chips from the back of a van for some time. Elvis' daughter and her husband, Michael Lockwood, have been helping out one of their friends in the small East Sussex village of Rotherfield since making friends some month ago, with the famous pair regularly popping in to their mobile chippy to lend a helping hand.

Lisa Marie and her husband moved into a £9 million mansion in the area some two years ago and began visiting the local pub, the King's Arms, where they met Justin and Kim Scales, who run the business as well as the pub. Whilst a helping hand is always appreciated, Mrs Scales admitted to the Mail Online that given her serving techniques she wont be considered for a paying job any time soon. She told the online publication, " She got the fish all upside down and was totally cack-handed."

From Graceland to graze-land: Since moving, 44-year-old singer Lisa Marie has become fully immersed in the local culture and has tipped her hat to the British way of life, saying in a recent interview for BBC Radio 2 that she much prefers the way of life in Britain as opposed to living amongst "self-absorbed" Californians.

TWEETS

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R.I.P

Andy Williams died Tuesday after battling bladder cancer for over a year. The “Moon River” singer, who owns a theater in Missouri bearing his name, was 84 at the time of his death.

USA Today announced the latest celebrity death after news broke that the multi-talented crooner passed away.

Williams died of cancer at his home in Branson, the same town where his popular Moon River Theater is located, according to his rep. The venue is inspired by his popular song.

Although Andy Williams is known for popular hits like “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “Can’t Get Used to Losing You,” “Where Do I Begin” and “Happy Heart,” he doubled as an actor. He starred in “Kansas City Kitty,” “Ladies’ Man,” “The Man in the Moon” and other films.

Williams first started singing professionally in 1938 when he and his three older brothers, Bob, Don and Dick, formed the Williams Brothers.

Andy began a solo career in 1953 on the X label (owned by RCA) but none were hits. The next year, he became a regular on Tonight Starring Steve Allen which gave him the exposure he needed to get signed to the Cadence label.

Williams had two major Hot 100 hits after 1960. In 1963, his Can't Get Used to Losing You made it to number 2 while, in 1970, he got up to number 9 with (Where Do I Begin) Love Story.

Williams was also a business man, acquiring not only his own master tapes from Cadence but also those of artists like the Everly Brothers, Lenny Welch, the Chordettes and Johnny Tillotson. He formed Barnaby Records, releasing the Cadence material along with hits from Ray Stevens and the debut album from Jimmy Buffett.

On May 1, 1992, Williams opened the Moon River Theater in Branson, MO which would be his performing home for the rest of his life.

Williams was married twice, to Claudine Longet (1961 to 1975). and Debbie Meyer. He had three children with Longet. A year after their divorce, Longet was charged with fatally shooting her boyfriend, ski racer Spider Sabich, in Aspen, and Williams famously stood by her throughout the trial.

Williams' Top 20 Singles:

Canadian Sunset (1956/#7),Butterfly (1957/#1),I Like Your Kind of Love (1957/#8), Lips of Wine (1957/#17), Are You Sincere? (1958/#3), Promise Me, Love (1958/#17),The Hawaiian Wedding Song (1958/#11), Lonely Street (1959/#5),The Village of St. Bernadette (1959/#7), Can't Get Used to Losing You (1963/#2), Hopeless (1963/#13), A Fool Never Learns (1964/#13) and (Where Do I Begin) Love Story (1971/#9)

Tributes

British singer and namesake Robbie Williams led the tributes by writing, "God bless Andy Williams"

Reba McEntire adds, "So sad to hear the news of Andy Williams' passing this morning. His brother, Don, was my manager in the 80's. My prayers are w (with) the family."

Ray Stevens released the following statement regarding the passing of his friend, Andy Williams:

"Andy Williams was one classy guy. He was a marvelously talented and generous performer who in 1970, entrusted his nationally acclaimed TV Show and audience to a green kid from Georgia. That kid was me and he changed my life.Thank you Andy and God Bless your wife Debbie, your brother Don, who was my longtime manager, your children and entire family.We miss you already!"

(Source Ray Stevens Media Contact:Absolute Publicity)

Donny Osmond who released a country album DONNY & MARIE OSMOND in 2011 revealed he feels "indebted" to the late singer for helping him fulfil his music dreams. Williams toured with The Puppy Love hitmaker and his singing siblings at the beginning of their careers and welcomed them onto his top-rated TV specials.

In a post on his website, Donny writes, "Andy Williams was an inspiring man in both his music and his life. The clarity and warmth and grace of his singing shaped my love of music as I watched my brothers perform with him on his weekly show”.

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